Gangline

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the main line that the dogs and sled are attached to

Harness

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a webbing of fabric that fits a dog snugly, to which the tugline and neckline are attached

Neckline

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a short line (10-12 inches) attached to the harness and gangline, that keeps the dog in line

Tugline

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the main line that connects the dog's harness to the gangline - the line that the dog tugs on

Musher

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a person who drives a sled dog team - also called a dog driver. Originally from the French term 'marcher' (= to go, walk)

Toboggan sled

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a sled with a flat bottom instead of runners. Used when deep, soft snow is expected instead of a good trail

Basket sled

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traditional sled. A basket sled is faster on trails with just a few inches of fresh snow on top of a thick layer of hard snow

Raised toboggan sled

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een hybride of the toboggan and basket sleds, combining the best of both types

Stake-out

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a main chain with separate short chains to attache several dogs to. May be attached to the ground using long steel pins, strung between the front and back bumpers of a truck or between two trees

Snubline

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a rope attached to the back of the sled, which can be tied to a tree to hold the team when the snow is not firm enough to use a snow hook

Lead dogs

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the dog or dogs in the front of a team. These dogs are noted for their high level of intelligence and drive, and are often females. May be run as single lead (1 dog) or double lead (2 dogs)

Swing dogs

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depending on which musher you're talking to, either the two dogs directly behind the lead dogs, or those between the point dogs and the wheel dogs

Wheel dogs

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the two dogs right in front of the sled. These will normally be the heaviest dogs in the team

Team dogs

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all dogs other than the lead dogs, point dogs, swing dogs and wheel dogs

Trail

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the route to run, path

Markers

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long sticks on both sides of the trail, marking the trail even with high snow